Zambia blasts foreign firms for violating environmental laws

Zambia's environmental watchdog on Thursday voiced concern that foreign firms, especially mining firms, have continued disregarding environmental protection laws in their operations in the country.

Executive director of the Zambia Institute of Environmental Management (ZIEMA), Morgan Katati said it was unfortunate that even after undergoing environmental impact assessment, the companies have failed to adhere to environmental laws, a move that was fueling pollution in communities where they operate.

"There is a need for Zambia to consider the integration of the principles of sustainable development into its policy and programs. The environmental implications of mining must be considered in decision making, the same way economic and social implications are considered," he told Xinhua.

He attributed the situation to lack of effective monitoring and environmental auditing and valuation mechanism by government departments, adding that despite many projects undergoing an environmental impact assessment process, there was no data to check whether they were operating within the stipulated environmental guidelines.

Environment monitoring like ascertaining the impact of certain activities on the environment is being obscured and overtaken by institutional bottlenecks and financial constraints, he said.

An annual report released by the country's Auditor-General also revealed that some mining companies were not complying with the environmental laws, regulations and environmental licensing set by the government.

The report also revealed uncoordinated management of environmental legislations by various government institutions. Endi